A high-calorie diet supports training for an endurance event, such as a marathon or century ride. People with specific medical conditions, such as HIV, cancer and AIDS, or those who have undergone burns or trauma, may also need to consume a high-calorie diet to provide their bodies with energy for healing and to fight off infection. To fit in ample servings of foods high in carbohydrates, protein and calories, you should plan on eating about six times per day. Each of these meals should contain 500 calories or more -- depending on your personal calorie needs. Once you have an idea of the calories in specific meals, you can mix and match foods to vary your meal plan.
Meal One
Your first meal is most likely breakfast. A typical breakfast can include three poached eggs with two slices of whole-grain toast topped with 1 tbsp. of fruit preserves and one piece of fruit. This meal contains about 560 calories. The eggs provide protein, while the bread and fruit are sources of healthy, fiber-rich carbohydrates.
Meal Two
Mid-morning, you can have a raisin-bran muffin and a 6-oz. container of low fat yogurt topped with two chopped dates for about 520 calories . The muffin contains fiber and quality carbohydrates and the natural sugars and protein in the yogurt will help keep your energy up all morning long.
Meal Three
For lunch, you might want to consume 2 ½ cups of whole wheat penne pasta with ½ cup of marinara sauce. Enjoy a cup of vegetable and rice soup along with two whole-wheat rolls on the side for a meal containing about 800 calories. The carbohydrates in the pasta and rolls will fuel your muscle's glycogen stores. The soup and sauce provide two servings of vegetables.
Meal Four
Smoothies are a nutritious way to add calories to your meal plan and there are many variations to suit your tastes. Make a smoothie with 11/2 cup low-fat milk, 1 cup frozen peaches, one banana and 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Have with a serving of whole-wheat crackers topped with 2 tbsp. of peanut butter for a 685-calorie snack with heart-healthy fats, protein and natural, energy-enhancing sugar from the fruits.
Meal Five
At dinner, broil 4 oz. of beef tenderloin and have with a large baked potato topped with ¼ cup low-fat, plain yogurt and chopped chives for a total of 675 calories. On the side, have 2 cups of steamed broccoli and 12 oz. of orange juice. The beef provides you with B vitamins, which help you effectively turn food into energy. The vegetables and juice are sources of healthy carbohydrates.
Meal Six
Before bed, have 3 oz. of fig bar cookies and 12 oz. of low-fat chocolate milk for 570 calories. The dried fruit, sugar and flour in the cookies provides calories and energy, while the milk offers protein and potassium.
References
- Drugs.com: High Protein / High Calorie Diet
- "Food for Fitness;" Chris Carmichael; 2004
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